If you are a music lover or enjoy relaxing to some classical jazz every once in a while, you should attend Eastern Michigan University’s Jazz Ensemble concert at 7:30 p.m. Monday in the Student Center Auditorium.
The event is free and open to the public. You can earn Learning Beyond the Classroom credit for attending as well.
“Jazz is America’s music,” ensemble director Donald Babcock said, “Plus, the music is fun and exciting. Jazz is multidimensional, encompassing old and new styles including Latin, swing and some pop music.”
The concert will consist of a 20-piece band including saxes, trumpets, trombones and a full rhythm section. Babcock said the students in the ensemble are pursuing majors from all around EMU’s campus, and that senior Katherine Jakrzewski, a music education major, will be the featured student soloist.
All the students put in a lot of time and effort into preparing for the concert. They typically have a five-week preparation period, rehearsing twice a week for about an hour and a half each time.
“Jazz makes me feel alive,” Babcock said. “It challenges me both emotionally and mentally.”
If you would like to attend but can’t make it, you can check out their upcoming annual fundraiser, which will include dancing and is set for 7 p.m. April 6 in the Student Center Ballroom. For more information you can visit the events page at www.emich.edu/music/events/index.php.
If you are interested in learning more about EMU’s jazz program, you can contact Babcock at dbabcock@emich.edu.
